Heading out on a hike is all about connecting with nature. But out on the trail, accidents can happen. A teammate faints or breaks a leg, another gets hurt in a fall—how do you react? A first-aid kit is never far away on a hike, but you still need to know how to use it and take the right action. Here is what you need to know about first aid when hiking.
First aid: the foundation of hike preparation
Before preparing for a hike and packing all your hiking gear, keep this in mind: hiking involves spending hours in environments where conditions are rarely ideal. In the wilderness, medical services are rarely nearby, and companions may lack first-aid skills.
You might also find yourself in an area with no mobile reception to call for emergency services, or in an isolated spot where rescue teams will take a long time to arrive. That is why considering first aid when hiking is vital before you even set off. It is even better when the whole group is trained, as you never know who might get injured and who will need to administer first aid.
The importance of first-aid training
First-aid training is essential for many reasons. To start with, a first-aid kit and all the safety gear taken on hikes are useless if the people carrying them lack the knowledge required to use them.
Furthermore, remember that first aid when hiking—or anywhere else—is not about providing full medical treatment, but about stabilising the casualty's condition. In an accident, first aid prevents the victim's condition from worsening. It relies on automated actions and reflexes developed through structured training. The core principles of first aid: speed, efficiency, and method.
There is a clear difference between those trained in first aid and those who are not. Untrained individuals tend to panic, become disorganised, and lose efficiency during emergencies. They make poor decisions, waste resources, and become easily overwhelmed when complications arise.
Providing first aid when hiking: a complete mindset
In everyday life, everyone has their own habits and routine. When an emergency strikes on a hike, those routines are instantly disrupted. You must act fast. First aid on a hike is only effective if administered quickly, as a casualty's condition can deteriorate in minutes. Hands-on drills and theory taught in training ensure rapid, instinctive responses when every second counts.
When administering first aid, learning to stay calm is crucial. People who have not received first-aid training often go into shock when a serious incident occurs. Some freeze completely, while others panic, cry or shout. During first-aid courses, instructors teach trainees to overcome this psychological shock to remain clear-headed and effective. For example, practical sessions help trainees get used to the sight of blood and overcome paralysis caused by shock.
First-aid training in France: how does it work?
Originally, first-aid training led to the Brevet National de Secourisme (BNS). In 1991, the Attestation de Formation aux Premiers Secours (AFPS) replaced the BNS. Since 2007, the AFPS has been replaced by the Prévention et Secours Civiques de niveau 1 (PSC1). This is a seven-hour course. Trainees can spread these training hours over several days, depending on their availability.
The PSC1 course is open to anyone over the age of 10. In certain professions, this training is mandatory. For instance, in geology and other underground work.
Many organisations offer PSC1 first-aid training in France. For example, fire and rescue unions (Unions de Sapeurs-Pompiers), the French Red Cross, the French White Cross, the National Civil Protection Federation, and many others. The cost of the training varies between €50 and €80.
